A lot of great music was released during the 1960s, but there are few songs as iconic as “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Considered the first heavy metal song, the hard rock has been ingrained in the public consciousness since its release in 1968, heard everywhere from the film “Easy Rider” to “The Muppets.” Most recently, “Born to be Wild” has been used as the title to an IMAX 3D film, the true story of orphaned orangutans and elephants given a second chance at survival. In this case, the song’s use was no accident, as Steppenwolf front man John Kay is a longtime supporter of both human and animal rights. It’s in support of the latter that Kay and Steppenwolf will make a rare appearance at 4th & B on May 7 at 8 p.m. The benefit concert will help raise funds for the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI). While there will no opening act at this event, prior to the band performing, Kay and Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas of Orangutan Foundation International will introduce a trailer for the film. In conjunction with this concert there will be a screening of the film at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on Sunday, May 8 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception and a Q & A session with Kay and Galdikas. Funds raised from both events are earmarked to buy forestland to preserve critical habitat in Indonesian Borneo. While Steppenwolf once hit the road for months at a time, the band officially retired from touring in 2007, now preferring to play only a few special events per year. “Born to Be Wild” has held a place of pride in Steppenwolf’s set list for over four decades. Kay said he is still thrilled by the response those opening chords get. “That song is obviously the gift that keeps on giving,” he said. “It’s a song, among several of ours, that energizes an audience. If you cannot, as a performer, be affected by the kind of enthusiasm and energy that comes back up on to the stage when you start playing those songs for them, then it truly is time to pursue a different kind of engagement somewhere. Thank goodness the songs we chose to record from ’67 onwards, by and large, have stood the test of time relatively well and the words don’t stick in my throat.” Although he said he still enjoys performing, Kay is happier traveling and trying to help the planet through his own Maue Kay Foundation. Named for his wife, fellow board member Jutta Maue Kay, the organization supports individuals and organizations engaged in the protection of wildlife, the environment and human rights. “Rock and roll music is what I’ve been about for much of the last 40 years,” Kay said. “While I was focused on the band and songwriting and what we do in the business, over the years, my wife and I became increasingly more involved in things. Like millions of others, we started off with a check now and then to the Sierra Club or World Wildlife Fund, or some other good organization that’s preserving what’s left of our natural treasures.” Inspired in part by his daughter, who worked at an elephant sanctuary, he decided to become more hands-on with causes near to his heart. While he appreciates all the attention that continues to surround his work with Steppenwolf, he is happy to use this as a resource to shine a spotlight on the plight of animals. “I prioritize my time for all those things that mean the most to me now,” he said. “We used to play a lot but there’s other stuff that will keep me excited and engaged. Music is not necessarily at the top of the list. It’s important that people realize that we will all be, as human beings, impoverished if we lose some of our great fellow living creatures.” John Kay & Steppenwolf: Saturday, May 7 at 4th & B, 345 B St. 8 p.m. 21 and up. $40-$100, www.4thand bevents.com